Comox Valley School District transfers start Jan. 7

COMOX VALLEY, B.C. – The window for Comox Valley students to transfer schools opens early in the new year.

Students registered in the School District 71 may request a transfer to a school outside their catchment area for the 2019/20 school year, but only for a short period of time.

Registration opens Jan. 7 for a seven-week period, for cross-boundary applicants to submit an online request.

Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“It is important to understand that we have experienced tremendous growth with the arrival of many young families. As a result, our schools are at or near capacity,” shared Geoff Manning, the district’s director of instruction.

“However, the district understands there are reasons when a request for transfer can be made including access to a specialized program at another school, to attend school with a sibling, childcare arrangements, or extenuating family circumstances.”

The district has established categories for cross-boundary transfer requests in order of priority, as follows:

1st – Siblings living in Comox Valley registered in a district school.

2nd – Specialized education program offered at another secondary school location.

3rd – Childcare (K-7 only).

4th – Extenuating circumstances detailed in the request.

Students and families are encouraged to visit the school they wish to transfer into before applying.

Once a transfer is executed it is difficult to reverse it and may not be permitted.

To register, complete the fillable form that can be found on the Comox Valley Schools website here.

Note that the digital application form will not be published until the day registration opens. Upon completing the form, applicants click on the submit button to finalize the request. There no longer is any requirement to save, print and email the form to the School Board Office.

For individuals without a home computer or Internet access, we invite you to use the computer located in any district school, or at the School Board Office located at 607 Cumberland Road in Courtenay. Alternatively, you can access the network at a Vancouver Island Regional Library.

Questions can be directed to your current neighbourhood school administrator or the Board Office at 250-334-5500.